Viscous fluid dispenser

ABSTRACT

A readily collapsible enclosure holding viscous fluid is housed within a non-elastic housing with relatively rigid members secured on one end and extending on opposite sides of the collapsible enclosure holding viscous fluid within the non-elastic housing so that pressure applied to the rigid members reduces the volume of the enclosure to discharge the viscous fluid. Various pressure applying points and assists are included with spring pressure balancing applications on said rigid members included. A strand dispensing spool can be housed within the resilient housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] Viscous fluid is dispensed by applying force to rigid members on opposite sides of a collapsible confined space within a non-elastic housing.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] The provision of devices that assist dispensing of pastes, lotions, creams, colors, paints, adhesives, etc. from rubber, flexible metal, plastic and other resilient tubes or containers is common in the art. Most of these devices apply force externally of the containers. U.S. Pat. No. 1,563,459, issued Dec. 1, 1925 to H. Volland, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,605, issued Jul. 26, 1966 to T. Madden et al, assist dispensing by use of slide members along the length of the container. U.S. Pat. No. 1,320,275, issued Oct. 28, 1919 to E. Roach, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,510,848, issued Oct. 7, 1924 to A. Hubbard, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,773,577, issued Aug. 19, 1930 to O. Eide, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,211,341, issued Oct. 12, 1965 to H. Bailey use pressure applied to rigid members, on either side of resilient collapsible tubes, that are secured together and pivoted about one end. U.S. Pat. No. 2,936,932 teaches making portions of the container more rigid so that applied pressure assists discharge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,213, issued Jun. 25, 1996 to R. Mack et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,966, issued Oct. 28, 1997 to R. Johnson are examples of an outer rigid or resilient housing with an inner collapsible or deformable container for the viscous material to be dispensed by pressure applied to the inner collapsible container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A viscous fluid dispenser has a non-elastic housing around a confined or collapsible viscous material container. Rigid side members that extend along opposite sides of the collapsible container within the non-elastic housing are pressed or pivoted together. By pressing against the rigid side members within the non-elastic housing, viscous fluid is dispensed. Springs placed selectively along the rigid side members balance viscous fluid pressures within the collapsible confined or space container. A twine dispenser can be housed within the resilient housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation of a dispenser in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation of a dispenser in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of a dispenser in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a partial vertical elevation of an alternate leverage device for use with the invention.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a partial elevation of an alternate pressure applying arrangement.

[0011]FIG. 6(a) is an exploded top view of a spring-loaded pressure applicator.

[0012]FIG. 6(b) is a sectional side view of the spring loaded pressure applicator of FIG. 6(a) in its compressed configuration.

[0013]FIG. 6(c) is a sectional side view of the spring loaded pressure applicator of FIG. 6(a) in its expanded configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] It is well known to apply pressure onto collapsible tubes using contact members. Such provision typically has separate collapsible tube and pressure means and requires combining the two to dispense the fluid from the collapsible tube. The present invention combines a collapsible confined space or tube and pressure applying means into a single enclosed unit.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a dispenser 1 includes a collapsible confined space, lining or tube 2 containing a viscous fluid with a closure aperture shown as a threaded discharge 8 and a closure cap 9. The collapsible tube is housed within a non-elastic housing 3. Included within the non-elastic housing are rigid plates 4 hinged 5 together at their first lower end to form jaws for applying pressure against the sides of the collapsible tube. Pressure applicators 6, in the shape of a push button, are attached adjacent to the rigid plates second upper end, farthest from the hinged end, for forcefully dispensing the fluid. Steady pressure applying springs 7 are provided at about the middle length of the rigid plates. These springs maintain a uniform pressure along the rigid plates and along the collapsible lining or tube 2. With the components of the dispenser all housed together within one non-elastic housing 3, the dispenser is readily available for quick use. A spool 10 for twine 11 is also housed within the non-elastic housing 3 and can be dispensed through an opening 13 and threaded through a cutting means 12. If the viscous fluid is toothpaste, the twine can be dental floss. If the viscous fluid is an adhesive, the twine could be binding cord, etc. The non-elastic housing can be a rigid metal or plastic or a resilient material that is not stretchable to any appreciable degree.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a modification of the dispenser of FIG. 1. Rather than having both rigid plates of the dispenser 20 move about a common hinge, only one first rigid plate 24 is free to move about a hinge 25 while a second relatively stationary rigid side 17 is attached to the hinge. Also, the pressure applicators are in the form of a lever 26 that is hinged 15 at one end to provide leverage on the movable rigid plate 24 through a pressure pin 16 acting against return spring pressure 21. Finger gripping irregularities 19 can be formed on the housing 23. The closure aperture 28 from the collapsible lining or tube is shown closed by a pivoted cap 29. A spring 27 is positioned between the non-elastic housing 23 and rigid plate 24 to maintain a steady pressure on the rigid plate and adjacent side of the collapsible lining or tube 22. The second relatively rigid stationary side 17 can be either a rigid plate or a rigid housing or rigid housing side. The same spool 10, twine 11, opening 13 and cutting means 12 are provided. Rather than having the spool 10 and twine 11 attached to the rigid plate 24, they are attached to a door 14 that is hinged 72 to the non-elastic housing 23 lower corner.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a further modification of the dispenser of FIG. 1. The same general collapsible liner or tube 32, with viscous fluid, and non-elastic housing 33, having a first rigid plate 34 and second rigid plate 73, are used. A third rigid base plate 18 is provided between the first and second rigid plates. The third rigid base plate 18 permits the primary pressure plates 73, 34 to move toward each other in an essentially parallel manner, rather than arcuately. A second hinge 31 is added to join the rigid base plate 18 to the first rigid plate 34 to permit this movement. The first hinge 35 joins the base plate 18 to the second rigid plate 73. A single pressure applicator 36, closure aperture 38, closure cap 39 with spool 10, twine 11, opening 13 and cutting means 12 are also used. The two hinges 31 and 35 on either end of the base plate permit that pressure plate 34 to float somewhat so as to accommodate a collapsible liner or tube 32 that has an essentially uniform cross-section along its length. The base plate does not apply much pressure onto the collapsible tube 32 but serves primarily to provide a support for the spool 10 and as a rigid connection between the second rigid plate 73 and the first rigid plate 34. The pressure applied by the pressure plate 34 is essentially uniform along its extent due to the pressure applicator 36 location at the top end of the pressure plate and the spring 37 constant force applied at the lower end of the pressure plate. This force balancing and physical arrangement results in the discharge from the collapsible tube being essentially uniform along the collapsible container length rather than primarily from the bottom due to a pivotal movement of the rigid plates secured together at the bottom end. The hinge 31 is of the well known limited rotation type often used with doors where rotation between the hinge sections is due to flats on the hinges abutting sections, in this instance, so as to permit only about a 90 degree relative rotation between the sections. The preferred angle ⊖ between the base plate 18 and rigid plate 34 is in the range of 90 to 180 degrees. The plates remain coplanar when the angle ⊖ reaches it maximum 180 degree limit.

[0018]FIG. 4 discloses an alternate system for applying pressure against the rigid plates 44 of the dispenser 40. In this embodiment, there is no liner or tube used. The viscous fluid 42 is confined between the relative rigid dispenser 40 walls 43 and the rigid plates 44. The spring and pressure applicator are replaced by a pair of curved levers 46, 47 on either side of the rigid plates 44 that are hinged 45 together essentially centrally on a rigid lower base plate 49. The lower end of the levers 46, 47 are hinged to either end 41, 48 of the rigid lower base plate 49. Pressure against the upper ends of the curved levers 46, 47 presses the central area of the curved levers against the rigid plates 44 to press viscous fluid from the confined space 42.

[0019]FIG. 5 discloses another alternate system for applying pressure against the rigid plates 64 of the dispenser 60. The upper areas of the non-elastic housing 63 are provided with resilient gripping areas 66, 67 at the upper areas of the rigid plates 64 for pressing the rigid plates against the viscous fluid within the confined space 62 to discharge the viscous fluid out of the closure aperture 68 that can be closed, with a pivot cap 69 shown.

[0020]FIG. 6(a) discloses a further alternate pressure applicator 50, preferably made of plastic, for pressing on the rigid plate(s) of the invention. The outer pressure applicator 53 is similar to the push button 6 shown in FIG. 1. The outer end is provided with irregular gripping or pressing areas 54, for non-slip pressure application, and the inner end is provided with a flange 55 around an opening provided for access to the hollow interior for passage of one end of a spring 52 into the empty space within the push button 53. The flange 55 can be secured to the non-elastic housing inner or outer surface. Inner pressure applicator 51 outer end 56 is open providing for reception of the other end of the spring 52, in the empty space within the inner pressure member 51. The inner pressure applicator 51 inner end is provided with a flange 57 for pressing against the rigid plates. The outer pressure applicator 53 serves the same function as the pressure applicator 6 in FIG. 1. When pressed on, the flange 55 is forced against the flange 57 to press on the rigid plates. However, when pressure against the gripping outer end area 54 is released, return spring 52 presses the flange 55 outward against the non-elastic housing and the flange 57 inward against the rigid plate. This results in a constant spring pressure being applied against the rigid plates and the collapsible container. The spacing between the rigid plates and resilient housing limit the distance the inner pressure member 51 and outer pressure member 53 can separate. This distance is not enough to expose the spring 52 ends that are retained within the hollow inner and outer pressure members. Pop-out tabs 58 are provided by cutting a “U” shape through the inner applicator 51 and heating and bending the resulting tab to provide a spring action.

[0021]FIG. 6(b) shows the pressure applicator of FIG. 6(a) in its compressed configuration. The tabs 58 are pressed into the space within the inner pressure member and the inner pressure member 51 is pressed against spring 52 pressure into the empty space within the outer pressure applicator 53 with the inner pressure applicator 51 flange 57 adjacent to the outer pressure applicator 53 flange 55. In this configuration the flange 57 can be placed against a rigid plate while the flange 55 is placed against the non-elastic housing. While the flange 55 can be affixed to the outside of the non-elastic housing, it is preferred that both flanges 55,57 be place between the rigid plate(s) and non-elastic housing.

[0022]FIG. 6(c) shows the pressure applicator of FIG. 6(a) in an extended configuration. As the rigid plates are pressed inward to dispense fluid, the distance between the non-elastic housing and rigid plates increases. To accommodate the increased distance, the inner pressure member is moved out from the outer pressure member under spring force. This compensates for increased distance between the non-elastic housing and pressure plates. When the inner pressure member has moved out far enough to uncover the tabs 58, they spring out and prevent the inner pressure member from entering any further back into the outer pressure member. With the inner pressure member extended, pressure can still be easily applied to the pressure plates with minimum travel of the outer pressure member, the fluid being dispensed using the same pressure originally applied to the outer pressure area 54. This is possible even though the rigid plate is no longer adjacent to the non-elastic housing.

[0023] It is believed that the construction, operation and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is illustrative only and that changes, variations, substitutions, modifications and equivalents will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art and that such may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A viscous fluid dispenser comprising: a collapsible confined space for viscous fluid having a closure aperture; a non-elastic housing enclosing said collapsible confined space; a first rigid plate located adjacent one side of said collapsible confined space and within said non-elastic housing between said collapsible confined space and said non-elastic housing; means for applying pressure on said first rigid plate within said non-elastic housing to press on said collapsible confined space to discharge viscous fluid from said collapsible confined space through said closure aperture.
 2. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 1 wherein: said first rigid plate has a first lower end and a second upper end; said first rigid plate first lower end is held within said non-elastic housing such that said means for applying pressure pivots said first rigid plate around said first rigid plate first lower end.
 3. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 1 wherein: a spring within said resilient housing presses on said rigid plate to maintain a residual pressure on said confined space.
 4. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 2 wherein: a second rigid plate has a first lower end and a second upper end within said non-elastic housing with said first rigid plate lower end being hinged to said second rigid plate lower end; said means for applying pressure on said rigid plates applies pressure to said rigid plates adjacent to said rigid plates second upper ends.
 5. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 4 wherein: said means for applying pressure on said rigid plates applies pressure to both of said rigid plates adjacent said rigid plates second upper ends.
 6. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 4 wherein: said first and second rigid plates have an inner surface, facing said confined space, and an outer surface, facing away from said confined space; a spring is placed within said resilient housing for pressing on the outer surface of one of said rigid plates.
 7. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 1 wherein: said means for applying pressure on said first rigid plate includes a lever for increasing leverage by increasing mechanical advantage.
 8. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 7 wherein: said lever is hinged outside said resilient housing and applies pressure to said first rigid plate through a pressure pin.
 9. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 8 wherein: said lever is spring loaded so as to apply a residual pressure on said first rigid plate.
 10. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 7 wherein: a second rigid plate is adjacent an opposing side of said collapsible confined space; said first rigid plate and said second rigid plate have lower ends and upper ends; said means for applying pressure on said rigid plates includes two levers that move toward each other against said first and second rigid plates; a base plate within said non-elastic housing; said levers are hinged onto said base plate to fix and space said levers lower ends as said levers upper ends are moved to press said levers against said rigid plates.
 11. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 10 wherein: said rigid plates first lower ends are hinged to said base plate between the location at which said levers lower ends are hinged; said levers are arcuately shaped such that moving said levers upper ends together presses a central arcuate area of said levers against said rigid plates.
 12. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 2 wherein: said means for applying pressure on said rigid plate includes a resilient gripping area formed on said non-elastic housing adjacent to said rigid plate second upper end.
 13. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 1 wherein: said means for applying pressure on said rigid plate includes an outer pressure applicator push button having an irregular surface on one outer end and an opening to a hollow internal area on the inner other end, for reception of one end of a spring, and an inner pressure applicator, telescopable into said outer pressure applicator push button hollow internal area, having an opening on one outer end facing said outer pressure applicator for reception of the other end of said spring, and a flange on the other inner end of said inner pressure applicator for pressing against said rigid plates.
 14. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 13 wherein: said inner pressure applicator has intermediate tabs for limiting reinsertion of said inner pressure applicator into said outer pressure applicator when said inner pressure applicator is telescoped out from said outer pressure applicator.
 15. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 1 wherein said means for applying pressure on said first rigid plate is in pressure contact with a collapsible container within said collapsible container space and is hinged to a second rigid plate that is in contact with the other opposing side of said collapsible container and said non-elastic housing;
 16. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 1 wherein: said means for applying pressure on said first rigid plate presses said first rigid plate into contact with said collapsible confined space; a second rigid plate in pressure contact with said collapsible confined space other opposing side provides back pressure; said first and said second rigid plates each have an upper end and a lower end; a third rigid base plate joins the first lower end of said first rigid plate and said first lower end of said second rigid plate to permit said first rigid plate and said second rigid plate to approach each other essentially parallel.
 17. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 16 wherein: said third rigid base plate pivotably attaches to said first rigid plate lower end and to said second rigid plate lower end. said first rigid plate and said third rigid base plate have an angle ⊖ between them that can vary from 90 degrees to 180 degrees.
 18. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 17 wherein: said means for applying pressure on said first rigid plate presses on the upper end of said first rigid plate; a spring has one end pressing against said resilient housing and the other end pressing against said first rigid plate adjacent its lower first end to equalize pressure on said collapsible container along said first rigid plate length.
 19. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim wherein: a spool for twine is secured within said resilient housing with an opening in said housing for discharging twine and a cutting means on said resilient housing for severing twine.
 20. A viscous fluid dispenser as in claim 19 wherein: a door and said spool and said cutting means are hinged to said non-elastic housing so that said door can be pivoted out from said non-elastic housing to access said spool and said cutting means. 